202 THE YOUNG FABMER'S MANUAL. 



roots and stems about of an equal size, the hedge will grow up 

 of a uniform size and strength. If, for instance, there are quicks 

 enough in one lot to make a hedge row four or six rods in length, 

 let the smallest ones be set together in the best soil, if there 

 should be any difference in the quality of it, and the largest ones 

 in the poorest locations. Assorting the quicks properly is one of 

 the most important parts of making hedges. It requires the 

 exercise of keen and quick perception, and good discrimination 

 and judgment. In assorting them the operator should select one 

 of the largest and most vigorous quicks in the lot, and lay it by 

 itself. Then select as small a one as is fit to be transplanted. 

 Select one or two, if there be much difference in their sizes, of a 

 size between those already selected. These will answer for a 

 common standard. Distribute the quicks, with the large ones by 

 themselves, and the small ones and those of medium size by 

 themselves. One must be guided in assorting, not only by the 

 size of the stems alone, but by the size of both roots and stems. 

 Should a small quick have very strong and vigorous roots, it 

 would be better to rank it with those having roots of about an 

 equal size. If a large quick has but few roots, it should not be 

 placed with the large ones because it has a large stem, but it 

 should be placed with those having roots which correspond in size 

 the nearest to it. The operator cannot be too particular in this 

 operation, for not only the beauty and evenness of a hedge de 

 pend on a judicious assorting of the quicks, but their efficiency is 

 involved in it. If quicks be transplanted without the foregoing 

 considerations, gaps and weak places in a hedge will surely follow. 



SECTION 9. TRANSPLANTING QUICKS. 



" Beneath the sunny, vernal sky, 

 Now scoop the mellow earth aside, 

 And bury in the fertile soil 

 The tiny rootlets spreading wide." EDWARDS. 



268. In the first place take the plow, adjusted to run about 

 three inches deep, and turn two furrows from each other, where 



